13 Items That Don’t Belong in Your Handbag
“Is Your Handbag a Health Hazard?”
Hands up if you didn’t know that a study by Initial Washroom Hygiene found that your average handbag has more bacteria than a toilet seat! Yes, you read that right! On top of that, with many women saying they rarely clean their handbags, it is unsurprising that handbags are breeding grounds for germs.
It’s not just bacteria that lingers, however. Authorities even warn that lugging too many heavy bags around can cause physical issues like shoulder, neck, and back pain. If your handbag is more like a black hole, you must clean it up.
So, shall we learn the 13 items your handbag shouldn’t contain and how kicking them out of your life can free you from mess, stress, and worry about health hazards? Ready? Lighten that load!
Unnecessary Duplicates
Do you need three packs of gum or five lipsticks in the same shade? Probably not. According to organizational experts, duplicates are among the top four causes of handbag clutter.
Bulky Keychains
Sure, oversized keychains may be cute or give you a warm fuzzy feeling when you buy them, but the big, bulky thing takes up valuable handbag space and weight.
Get a keyring with only the basics of what you need to lighten your bag. Lighter handbags reduce shoulder tension.
Expired Snacks
That granola bar you shoved in the bottom of your bag six months ago is not helping you out. Look at expiration dates and throw out any snacks that aren’t fresh. Carry food and have it in an easily compact and resealable container.
Loose Coins
Spare change is excellent, but tossing coins around your handbag creates chaos. Use small coin pouches instead to contain them rather than unnecessary weight.
Receipts and Random Papers
There’s no need to keep receipts, old tickets, or notes you no longer need in your handbag. Go digital whenever possible.
Pro tip: Empty your handbag weekly, throw out useless or outdated paper items, and shred unnecessary or outdated stuff to control the papers in your handbag.
Books or Notebooks Too Large for Your Bag
It’s easy to want to bring out a thick novel or a large notebook, but you’re making your bag heavier and taking up space. When it’s time to read, choose a Kindle or a smartphone app to keep beside your bed when you move.
Every Makeup Product You Own
It’s impractical to carry an entire makeup bag as part of your daily routine. Instead, choose a couple of multifunctional items, such as tinted lip balm and compact powder, to freshen up throughout the day.
Chargers Without a Case
They also tangle with the other items in your bag and come at the risk of damage. Portable chargers are also a consideration, or at least neatly store your cables in a small pouch or designated organizer.
Overloading with Unnecessary Tech
Speaking of chargers, do you need to carry a second ancient tablet or an extra pair of headphones? Consistently decide on the best tech items for you and focus on those so your handbag weight stays organized and manageable.
Expired Beauty Products
Is it that hand cream from last year or tired mascara? It’s time to part ways. Expired products waste space and may be ineffective—or even harmful. Only keep fresh beauty items and check expiration labels.
Heavy Glass Bottles
Glass could be a last resort since it’s heavy and prone to leaks or breakages. Instead, switch to lightweight, reusable travel-size containers.
Unused Loyalty Cards
Your handbag doesn’t need to be an archive for all your loyalty cards. You can save some (but not all) rarely deployed cards digitally or take them with you only when you use them.
Some apps, such as Stocard, allow you to digitize as many as dozens of cards and then save that physical space in your wallet.
Jewelry or Valuables
It’s not a great idea to carry loose valuables such as earrings or rings in your handbag, as these are easy to lose. A good idea is to buy a small travel jewelry case to keep your accessories neat and secure.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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